Timber Beams Reinforced with Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) Rods: Analysis and Exemplification

Abstract

Wood, as a natural material, originating from renewable sources and therefore ecologically and sustainably aware, offers a viable alternative as a structure system for buildings. Due to its mechanical properties, wide applicability in civil construction is possible. On the other hand, it is possible to obtain greater strength and rigidity for wood with the inclusion of structural reinforcements. One of these techniques uses Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) elements. In this article, wooden beams are reinforced with fiberglass and carbon fiber bars. A theoretical analysis of the mechanical behavior of the beam is developed, analyzing its stiffness and ultimate resistance moment. At the end of the work, a numerical example of a wooden beam without reinforcement is developed and also with the inclusion of these reinforcements. The results showed an increase in both bending moment resistance and flexural stiffness of the wooden beam with reinforcement, in relation without one.